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My Favorite Places to go to in the DMV!

21 items

J's Planning Planet

As someone who moved to Northern Virginia a few years ago, learning the area was definitely a priority. Upon my search, I came across some very nice places to dine either by yourself or with family, areas to explore, and activities to engage in. Sinc...

Sections

General Information/Recommendations

Activities

Food

Places

General Information/Recommendations

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! I find this section to be important considering that the DMV (especially Washington D.C., is heavily visited and has high tourist rates. In this section, I have recommendations and information that would be critical to know or t...

If you plan to visit and fly to the DMV to visit, I highly recommend this pre-filled and editable packing checklist! Make packing easier for your and your loved ones without stressing over items that were forgotten about!

Editable Pre-Filled Travel Packing Checklist

If you plan to fly to Washington DC, please take a look at this bundle package to make packing easy before you get on your flight over to the DMV area. Items are a little bit on the expensive side in the DMV area, so it would be advantageous to have ...

Editable Travel Packing Checklist | Flight Edition

Activities

These are some pretty cool places to check out whether you are by yourself or with others!

Nall's Produce is a great farmer's market that is kid-friendly! They have many plants (e.g., seasonal flowers, herbs, and decorative plants) and various food items including fresh fruit, vegetables, jams, jellies, teas, honey, and more! If you are lo...

Side note: During the fall, they have apple cider donuts (6 donuts/container) that melt in your mouth with each bite! I definitely recommend trying the the donuts!!!

Nalls Produce - Farmer's Market - Franconia

If you want TOP TIER nail salon treatment…then Casabella's is the place to be. Upon arrival, they provide you with a small bottle of water and a small cup of snacks which sets the mood for you to relax. While you're getting your pedicure and sitting ...

Casabella's Nail Salon - Alexandria VA

Mosaic District is a little south of Alexandria. It is very active with weekend events (e.g., movie nights outside (kid-friendly), outdoor yoga classes, plenty of restaraunts, a weekend market, and much more). I follow them on instagram to find out i...

Mosaic District

This festival is perfect for anyone who enjoys trying new foods; especially, foods of different cultures. There is so much food that it is hard to choose which vendor to buy food from! This is a good predicament to be in by the way lol. While you are...

Although it is a dog-friendly park, I recommend carrying a chari and extra water considering you will likely be hot and your pet (especially a dog) will be super hot since it is an outdoor event during summer. I have attached a link in the comments s...

Around The World Cultural Food Festival: Oronoco Bay Park

Honestly, I do not even know where to start because Tysons Corner Mall is HUGE! you can literally find a lot of parking around the area, including garages, on each side because it so large. It is a three story mall, but also has a separate section/mall area as...

Tysons Corner Center - McLean, VA

Pentagon City Mall is another fairly large mall. It has a lot of stores and parking. Parking is $3/hour if I remember correctly. You will get your steps here too!!!

Fun fact: you can get here from the metro! It is actually one of the stops on the yellow and blue lines!

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - Arlington, VA

First…this is not the “swingers” that others may know the alternate meaning of haha. It is an adult only mini golf establishment. You must show ID upon arrival as well. It would be great if you made a reservation as this place tends to be busy becaus...

swingers golf dc - Google Search

This is a great area for families and pets! You can have a picnic outside, take the trail to the Lincoln Memorial, or across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, or sit and watch the planes land at the Reagan Airport. If the airport's schedule works in your fa...

Gravelly Point - Arlington, VA

Although it's a time sensitive event (end of March to the beginnin/middle of April), I definitely recommend going to the festival! It's beautiful and you can make a trip out of it by going to see the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and etc.)

National Cherry Blossom Festival - March 20

Vola's Dockside Grill is a sport-like bar with wonderful food and drinks. For adults, the adult beverages are strong based on my recollection so be careful lol. They do have an outdoor bar as well so you can purchase adult beverages and walk down the...

Vola's Dockside Grill - Alexandria, VA

Food

If you are anything like me…you love you some food! Listed below are some of the! best restaurants that I have purchased good quality food from in Northern Virginia

This is the best Jamaican food that I have had while being in VA thus far! Two of my favorite dishes are curry goat and oxtail. The plantains are good too. Shoot…ALL THEIR FOOD IS GOOD! These are my primary orders from here lol. Feel free to check ou...

Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen - Alexandria, VA

Uncle C's fried chicken is by far some of the BEST fried chicken that I have had while in Northern, VA. I even think that it's better than Popeyes and that says a lot. I always get the three piece thigh with two sides (e.g., mac n cheese (superb), se... yams, ear of corn). There are plenty of sides, but those are my regulars. The skin on the chicken is cccrrriisssppy too and comes with two delicious corn bread muffins!

Uncle C's Chicken & Waffles - Alexandria

Maggiano's is a great family style Italian restaraunt. The menu has plenty of items for everyone! I really enjoyed the muscles and the bread! From what I was told, your pour the olive oil on the plate and you can “jazz” it up and dip your bread in it...

Italian Food Delivery, Carryout, Curbside - Tysons Corner

IF YOU WANT THE BEST TURKEY WINGS EVER THEN YOU NEED TO TRY HENRY'S TURKEY WINGS! They are smothered in gravy and the meat falls off the bone. It's so good! I have been interested in trying more items on the menu, but I can't seem to stray away from ...

Henry's Soul Cafe | Home of the Sweet Potato Pie in MD & DC

I could not tell you how many times I visited this place during the summertime. From the first time I ever had snowcream, I fell in love, It is a mixture between shaved ice and ice cream. Very light on the tongue. There are various flavors and toppin...

Snocream Creamery - Annandale, VA

Vola's Dockside Grill is a great restaurant that is located on the waterfront in Old Town, VA There is plenty of seating, great food, and drinks! During the warmer weather/season, they have outdoor seating and an outdoor bar where you can purchase dr...

Vola's Dockside Grill - Alexandria, VA

Places

These are the places that I absolutely adore visiting and spending time! Maybe this is also an area for you, your friends, and your loved ones to visit!

Old Town is a beautiful place whether you're spending the day there, grabbing dinner, or going to the bar. It's family oriented and it's right by the waterfront! Grab some ice cream, sit down, and enjoy your time and views together!

Old Town

I used to buy my seafood (aka snow crab legs) from this area. This is an area that I definitely enjoy visiting! Outside of seafood, they have bars, restaurants, live performances, movie nights, and much more! The Wharf DC is a great area to spend tim...

The Wharf DC

I absolutely love walking down the waterfront in Old Town. It's a family-oriented area with a lot of restaurants, ice cream shops, and much more to choose from and visit. People enjoy the views of the waterfront, riding bikes, taking their dogs for a...

Old Town Waterfront in Alexandria, VA | Dining & Water ...